Lanett man spits on West Point officer, tased after resisting arrest

On July 16th, 2024, Officers responded to West Point Food Mart, 900 East 10th Street, regarding an unwanted person. Officers arrived on scene and observed a white male, later identified as, Destin Barber, 27, of Lanett, Alabama, walking away from the area.

Officers gave Barber numerous verbal commands to turn around and stop walking away, but he continued. Barber then began to run down Avenue I.

Officers gave chase to Barber on foot. As Barber was running through the grass field, between Avenue I and Avenue H, he fell to the ground, at that time, Officers gave him commands to stay on the ground and put his hands behind his back.

Barber stood up, positioned his body in a fighting stance, balled his fist up, and swung at an officer. The officer was able to step back in time to avoid any contact from Barber. Barber turned back around and proceeded to run towards East 9th Street.

Once on East 9th Street at Avenue F, Barber ran behind a house and hid behind a bush. Officers gave him verbal commands to come out from behind the bush with his hands raised. He complied. They gave him verbal commands to lay on the ground.

He refused and began to walk towards officers. The officer unholstered his taser and pointed it at Barber while giving him commands to stop and lay on the ground or he would be tased. He refused to comply and began to walk towards the officers, at that time, he deployed his taser making connection with Barber.

As Barber tensed, officers safely assisted him to the ground. As soon as the charge lifted from the taser, Mr. Barber began to obstruct further by attempting to roll to his back to prevent handcuffing. Officers were able to safely gain control and handcuff him.

Barber then began to curse, yell derogatory sexual statements, and spit on the officers. A spit mask was placed on his head to prevent him from spitting on anyone else. He was placed in the back of the patrol vehicle. Officers requested EMS to ensure Barber did not sustain any injuries. EMS cleared him and he was transported to Troup County Jail.

Once at the jail, he admitted that he drank two pints of vodka and took an undisclosed amount of prescription medication earlier in the day. He was then transported to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center where they medically cleared him to be transported back to the jail to complete the booking process.

Barber was charged with:

O.C.G.A. 16-11-41, Public Drunkenness

O.C.G.A. 16-11-39, Disorderly Conduct

O.C.G.A. 16-5-23, Simple Battery on Law Enforcement Officer

O.C.G.A. 16-10-24, Felony Obstruction

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